Sherpa 5

The Sherpa 5 is due to become available in late 2004 and will likely be displayed publicly for the first time at Eurosatory 2004.

The design is essentially a 'new build' considerably enhanced Berliet GBC 8KT 4,000kg 6x6 truck and leverages the considerable experience gained by Renault Trucks during the company's continuing refurbishment and upgrade of 5,620 of these trucks for the French Army.

Depending on the market, Sherpa 5 will probably have options of EURO II-IV emissions-compliant Renault diesel engines developing around 180-21 Ohp. The standard six-speed manual gearbox will have an automatic option, most likely an Allison unit.

The revised C-section chassis will mount updated axles with a revised leaf-spring suspension set-up. Anti-lock brakes (drums or discs) and full cross- and inter-axle differential locks would likely be standard equipment, with an option for a central tyre-inflation system.

In standard cargo/troop-carrying configuration, the five-tonne-payload Sherpa 5 will be fitted with a body capable of handling 10ft or 15ft shelters. The platform deck will have ISO twistlock fittings as standard. Towed load will be eight tonnes on-road and four tonnes off-road.

Two new designs of three-seat steel and glass-fibre cabs will be available, enclosed or open desert type. The desert-type (soft-top) cab variant will be air-portable by C-130 Hercules or C-160 Transall aircraft.

A supplementary crew-protection kit will be available, including armoured doors, floor, roof and windscreen. The swap-cab concept developed by Renault for its militarised Kerax range is also likely to be carried through to the Sherpa 5.

Renault is also understood to be developing the larger Sherpa 10. This would be based on a 6 x 6 chassis from the Kerax construction range and would likely be fitted with a new bonneted cab similar in design to that on the Sherpa 5. With a payload in the eight- to 10-tonne range and a platform body capable of handling a 20ft ISO container, the Sherpa 10 would be required to have mobility levels (tactical and strategic) that at least match those of the Renault TRM10000, production of which concluded in 1999.

To meet the potential requirements for this type of truck outside Europe, it is possible that licence or KD production of the Sherpa 5 and/or 10 might be undertaken.